Keeping a low profile is smart when you're carrying trendy or expensive gadgets. Place mats, for example, can be fitted into a snug and inconspicuous cover for your netbook.

Jimmy, an IKEAhacker reader, wanted a way to camouflage his netbook while keeping it scratch-free and safe.

I got myself a 10" netbook, but how do I hold onto it as long as possible without anyone else stealing it? Well, you can get an obvious netbook bag or sleeve, but that says, 'Hey, inside is a netbook'. Instead I chose to disguise it. I took a Venny Placemat, folded it double, sewed the long side and bottom (by hand as the misses said the fabric is too thick for her machine!). Then I attached the loops side of velcro on the inside, the hooks part on the outside. Now I can slide the netbook in it (without scratching in on the velcro), close it up and stuff it in my 8€ decathlon backpack. Easy, quick, and the netbook is well protected against scratches and masked for those with less good intentions.

With his netbook secured in a nondescript pouch that doesn't advertise its electronic contents and an equally as low-key bag to put it in, he's definitely cut down on needless eye catching. If you have your own cheap and ingenious hack for camouflaging your smallest systems, let's hear it in the comment below.